FilmIndia (Dec 1937 - Apr 1938)

February 1938 FILMINDIA and the "spirit" of Nandlal (who is at Madras). Chaturbhuj Doshi stumbles to meet him. Mohanlal Dave: "Now. that you have been made a director, your next promotion is to become a hero. (Had he Khatoon in mind?) Chaturbhuj: "I have sunk enough already and I don't think Chandukaka will ask me to do that". (Looks about to see where Khatoon is sitting). XXX Hello, that man looking at the sky must be some one big. Stop, he waits at the door with the air of a conqueror — but no one seems to notice him. There is annoyance on his face. He waits longer expecting Chandulal Shah to run up to the door and fall on his knees with the words "Hail Hitler", but Chandulal doesn't look. The simple annoyance has now developed into a complex frown. Not being noticed, that acts like a pin to the vanity balloon. With stamping steps, he marches forward and people know that Nanubhai Desai of Saroj has arrived. He goes to Chandulal and says: Nanubhai: "You don't understand, Chandubhai, with much less money I would have built a much better studio. Why didn't you come and consult me?" Chandulal: (Apologetic): I did come to you several times, Nanubhai, but everytime they told me that you had gone to Munjee Nathoo's office. Nanubhai: (With difference): Oh yes. Cassamally Seth wanted to i invest fifty lakhs in the film business and he had called me for consultation. I told him not to be a fool and keep the money for his children". Chandulal: "What a courageous advice Nanubhai? You are a marvel". Nanubhai's frown disappears and he laughs. Every one heard that laugh and even without looking up every one knew that Nanubhai had laughed. XXX The brothers were missing. I couldn't find them anywhere. And then suddenly I heard a sharp sound "Chuni". I knew — I knew where it had come from. But before I could turn round and see things for myself, I heard the response, "yes mummy". And then I looked round and saw that everything was alright as usual. Old Chimanlal Desai was sandwiched between Sabita and her famous mother ("mummy" to all) and on mummy's right Chunilal was balancing himself on a chair. Dr. Patel was congratulating himself for having escaped the affectionate mother and the daughter. Some people don't like attentions and Dr. Patel has always been known for his orthodox views. He preferred to watch things from the other side of the table. Chimanbhai: "We shall also build a new sound proof studio next year". (A groan from Kapurchand is heard). Sabita: "Who groaned?" Chunilal: It is that fellow Kapurchand. He has got a pain in the side since that Maganlal Desai left him and joined "Supreme". Mummy: "Chuni, what is that Kapurchand doing nowadays?" Chunilal: "They say he is financing or doing something of that sort". Chimanlal: "You leave Kapurchand to me. Even Chandulal and Ardeshar did not know how to handle him." Mummy: "Chiman, you look a simpleton, you "off-ton" puzzle me with your remarkable sagacity." Bibbo comes on the scene and offers a cigarette to Chimanlal. Though he never smokes, how could he refuse a favour to a lady. With trembling hands Chimanlal takes a cigarette and Bibbo lights it for him. And then between puffs and coughs the conversation proceeds. A little distance away Bulbul (Chimanlal's managing son) sees all this and hears the coughs and says "That's his weak point". His friend remarks "Funny, an old man having a weak point". Bibbo: "Who is this Kapurchand? They say he has a lot of money. Why not introduce me, Seth Chimanlal?" Chimanlal coughs consent. Mummy: (Staring): "No, no, Chiman, you can't do that here. Chimanlal coughs another consent. Dr. Patel: "I shall give her a letter of introduction to Kapurchand". Bibbo: "Oh, how nice and what a courageous man" (glides away without noticing Sabita). Sabita colours and for the first time she looks attractive. Mummy takes away the cigarette from. Chimanlal's fingers and throws it away with the remark, "Don't smoke, Chiman, it is not good for your heart". "Yes, mummy, And I must live long for you all". XXX From a corner of the huge studio came floating the strains of Urdu poetry. It was a strange time and 53